I began my career in Advertising and Marketing Communications, drawing on a foundation in Visual Arts and Graphic Design. Thirteen years ago, I founded , a design consultancy dedicated to creatively addressing the evolving needs of clients across startups, enterprises, and government. This path led me into the tech ecosystem, where I launched two startups. While they showed early signs of traction, they ultimately didn鈥檛 succeed because I lacked the foundational knowledge needed to build a successful startup.
I recently shared my motivation for pursuing a Master in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology (MBET) at the University of 蓝莓视频. The Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business has been transformative on this journey. You can find that story on .
But now that you know why I joined, let鈥檚 dive into my experience so far.
Why "Fire Alarms"?
The title captures my MBET journey perfectly. Within three weeks of joining, I accidentally set off the fire alarm while attending class in the Engineering building, resulting in a full evacuation. This moment - embarrassing as it was - didn鈥檛 just teach me caution; it highlighted essential MBET concepts: Identify (the problem), Validate (with the customer), Execute (swiftly), and Reflect (on lessons learned).
The MBET Program in Three Parts
1. Academic Foundations and Entrepreneurial Skills: We dive deeply into the world of innovation, learning critical management and leadership skills as entrepreneurs. Each course is carefully designed to connect foundational theories with real-world applications.
2. Venture Building (Learning Through Real-World Application): The heart of MBET, guided by David Rose, challenges us to refine our ideas quickly and strategically. I鈥檓 currently building my third startup, - a storytelling platform for immigrants and multicultural families to capture and share their unique heritage.
3. Industry Connections and Practical Experience: The Conrad School鈥檚 strong industry connections have opened up incredible opportunities, from visits to Communitech and Google to intensive programs like Velocity鈥檚 Cornerstone. These experiences provide validation and real-world insights that are shaping Kintrace鈥檚 direction.
A Supportive, Diverse Community
One of the highlights of MBET is the incredible faculty, with each instructor bringing their unique expertise. The program鈥檚 diversity is also a standout feature, exposing me to languages and cultures from across the world, which has enriched my experience and perspective.
Reflections and Takeaways
Since joining MBET, my understanding of entrepreneurship has evolved. The program has given me not only the skills but also the confidence and clarity to face the startup world鈥檚 complexities head-on. One crucial lesson I鈥檝e taken to heart is that 鈥渁ssumptions are deadly鈥 - a reminder to challenge and validate every step as I build.
For anyone considering MBET, I can personally attest to the impact this program can have on both your skill set and mindset. So, if you鈥檙e ready to spark change in your entrepreneurial journey, be prepared to set off a few fire alarms and dive in fully - there鈥檚 no better place to do it than here.